HIT THE BOOKS Who was on the cover (and inside) of the first issue of Playboy Magazine? If you guessed Marilyn Monroe, you're right. If you want to see it, head to the 37th Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair. More than 120 international dealers exhibit and sell rare books, collectibles, illuminated manuscripts, autographs, maps, atlases, modern first editions, photographs, and prints. Nov. 15, 5-9 p.m., opening night, $15. Nov 16, noon-7 p.m. and Nov. 17, noon-5 p.m. $8. Free on Sunday with student ID. Free appraisals Sunday, 1-3 p.m. Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St., Boston. 617-266-6540, www.bostonbookfair.com

HE WRITES WHAT HE KNOWS A. R. Gurney promised his family that "The Cocktail Hour" wouldn't be produced in his hometown of Buffalo until his parents had died. In this autobiographical comedy we meet a young playwright who announces to his family that his newest play is about...them. Nov. 15-16, 8 p.m. Nov. 17, 7 p.m. Through Dec. 15. $25 and up, $5 senior discount, $25 for 35 and younger, $15 students and military. Boston University Theatre264 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-266-0800, www.huntingtontheatre.org

LOPEZ, LIES, AND LAUGHTER Last spring George Lopez released his memoir "I'm Not Gonna Lie and Other Lies You Tell When You Turn 50." Lopez, host of "Lopez Tonight" and star of "George Lopez," returns to television in January with "Saint George," a show about a recently divorced working class Mexican-American who becomes a successful entrepreneur. Nov. 15, 7:30 and 10 p.m. $55-$75. Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St., Boston. www.thewilbur.com

SATURDAY

CALLING ALL WHOVIANS If you think you know your "Dr. Who" stuff, head to "Don't Blink: A Doctor Who Quiz." The event sponsored by Geeks Who Drink celebrates the sci-fi TV show's 50th anniversary. Although no doctors will be neglected, most quiz questions cover recent incarnations, from Christopher Eccleston through Matt Smith. Nov. 16, 6 p.m. $5, admission first come, first served. Common Ground, 85 Harvard Ave., Allston. 617-783-2071, www.commongroundallston.com

BHANGRA BY THE DOZEN Twelve North American dance teams compete for the title of Boston Bhangra Champions. This folk dance from Punjab and parts of Pakistan has been likened to a bkend of hip hop and cheerleading. The Boston Bhangra Competition welcomes guests G. Sharmilla and Jus Reign. Nov. 16, 6 p.m. $20-$100. Orpheum Theatre, 1 Hamilton Pl., Boston. 617-448-2508, www.bostonbhangra.com/bbc

SUNDAY

IMPROVISE Forget the lessons, if you want your little darlings to play the violin like Joshua Bell put some rubber bands around the dresser draw handles and watch what happens. That’s how Bell started, and the rest is violin history. With his 1713 Huberman Stradivarius violin, Bell performs works by Tartini, Beethoven, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky. Nov. 17, 3 p.m. $30 and up. Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 617-482-6661, www.celebrityseries.org